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Local Planning Agency approves several land-use requests, forwards one to council; Times Square development agreement denied
Summary
At its April 29 meeting the Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency approved multiple variances, rezonings and a condominium special exception, voted to deny a proposed Times Square development agreement and approved a major amendment for the Lighthouse Island Resort with an additional condition to light a pedestrian path.
The Fort Myers Beach Local Planning Agency on April 29 approved multiple land-use requests — including variances, a rezoning boundary change and a condominium special exception — and unanimously denied a home‑rule development agreement for a Times Square project.
The LPA approved variances and rezonings for small residential and coastal properties, unanimously approved an expanded CPD boundary and later approved an amendment to the Lighthouse Island Resort commercial plan development. The LPA also voted unanimously to deny the Times Square development agreement application. Members added one condition to the Lighthouse CPD amendment requiring lighting for a proposed pedestrian path near the Matanzas Pass bridge.
Why it matters: The LPA’s actions move several rebuilding projects forward after Hurricane Ian while rejecting a larger, contested Times Square development agreement that developers and residents debated for months. The denials and approvals affect how redevelopment, public access and building heights can change downtown Fort Myers Beach.
Key votes and outcomes - VAR20250060 (170 Curlew St.): Variance to construct a pool enclosure — Approved unanimously. - BAR20250072 (274 Curlew St.): Variance for a wrap‑around deck, water‑body setback — Approved unanimously. - VAR20250045 (277 Primo Dr.): Variance to allow an elevated pool and garage — Approved 6–1 (motion carried; small increase in height/encroachment forwarded to town council per code). - VAR20250012 (722 Estero Blvd.): Multiple variances for a cottage‑lot home — Approved unanimously. - SEZ20250033 (Crescent Condominium): Special exception to repair/replace riprap, pool and pool deck; LPA approved a limited expansion of pool deck into the environmentally critical zoning district (EC/CCCL) citing safety and public‑use testimony — Motion passed unanimously; LPA recorded the expansion square footage on the record as shown on applicant exhibit. - DA20250001 (Times Square development agreement): Development agreement proposing increased FAR, rooftop terrace and 50 hotel units — Denied unanimously by the LPA (7–0). LPA members cited unresolved issues over height, FAR and equivalency factors and said the public benefits did not offset those deviations. - DCI20250035.1 (Lighthouse Resort CPD boundary — 1051 Fifth/1060 Third): Add 1060 Third Street to existing CPD boundary — Approved unanimously. - DCI20250035.2 (Lighthouse Resort CPD amendment): Amendment to the Lighthouse Island Resort CPD to redesign the site, increase hotel units and request multiple deviations (height, signage, parking) — Approved unanimously with staff conditions and an added LPA condition requiring lighting for the pedestrian path to the bridge.
What comes next: Several approvals will proceed to development order and permitting steps; applicants must submit development‑order applications and permit packages for the CPD amendments within the timelines set by staff and the town. The Times Square development agreement, denied by the LPA, may be revised by the applicant and refiled or brought to town council as submitted (LPA issued a formal denial recommendation).
